ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Civil Aviation
86.05 lakhs passengers have travelled under RCS- UDAN flights till 09.01.2022
Regional airports are witnessing exponential growth in air traffic under RCS- UDAN
Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched Regional Connectivity Scheme  - UDAN  on 21-10-2016 to stimulate regional air connectivity and making air travel affordable to the masses. UDAN is a market driven ongoing scheme where bidding rounds are conducted periodically for covering more destinations/stations and routes under the scheme. Interested airlines assess the demand on particular routes connecting these airports and submit their proposals at the time of bidding.
The achievements under the UDAN scheme and measures to boost civil aviation sector in the country are as under:
- Till date, out of 948 valid routes, 403 routes involving 65 airports  have been operationalised across the country under UDAN.
- Approximately 86.05 lakhs passengers have travelled on UDAN flights since its commencement till 09.01.2022.
- UDAN has transformed the way people travel in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Regional airports like Jharsuguda, Kishangarh, Belgaum, Darbhanga, etc. have been witnessing exponential growth in air traffic.
- The scheme offers a unique opportunity to a common person to fly at an affordable price, for which the Government has capped the Airfare for the seats where VGF is extended to airlines under the RCS scheme.
- UDAN scheme has sparked significant increase in helicopter services in hilly areas and islands through use of heliports.
- The linkage between the Civil Aviation Sector and Economic Growth is well recognized. International Civil Aviation Organization  study shows that the air connectivity has an economic multiplier of 3.1 and employment multiplier of 6.1.
- COVID guidelines/protocols for the Airline are framed in consultation with Ministry of Health & Family Welfare  and Ministry of Home Affairs  to boost confidence of the air travellers during COVID-19 pandemic.
- The other steps include e-boarding, web check-in, contactless dropping of baggage, etc.
This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry Of Civil Aviation  V. K. Singh  in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation
Payroll Reporting in India – A Formal Employment Perspective
The National Statistical Office , Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has released the Report on Employment Outlook of the country covering the period September, 2017 to March, 2023 based on the administrative records available with selected government agencies to assess the progress in certain dimensions. A detailed note is annexed.
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs 
Cabinet approves removal of ambiguities in the Modified NPS-III for determination of fixed costs for the urea units
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval to the proposal of Department of Fertilizers to remove ambiguities in the Modified New Pricing Scheme -III  for determination of fixed costs for the urea units.
Modified NPS-III was notified on 2nd April, 2014. However, due to ambiguous language of the notification, it could not be implemented. The above decision will facilitate its smooth implementation which will result in grant of Additional Fixed Cost of Rs.350/MT to 30 urea manufacturing units. The implementation of the Modified NPS-III will result in gains to existing urea units to the extent of their actual increase in fixed cost with ceilings as mentioned in the proposal which will ensure that no unit is benefited unduly.
This will facilitate the continued operations of the urea units resulting in sustained and regular supply of urea to the farmers.
The approval will also grant the special compensation of Rs. 150/MT to urea units which are more than 30 years old and converted to gas which will incentivize these units to remain viable for sustained production.
The measures will ensure maximum domestic production of urea and reduce will reduce import dependency.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister arrives in Abu Dhabi, UAE
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi arrived at Abu Dhabi in the morning of 15 July 2023.
In a special gesture, Prime Minister was warmly welcomed by Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the airport. A ceremonial welcome and Guard of honour were accorded to Prime Minister Modi.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
National Selection Committee finalises names for Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2019
The National Selection Committee under the Chairpersonship of WCD Minister has finalized the names of awardees for Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2019. The Government of India has been conferring the National Award on Children for their exceptional achievement in the fields of innovation, scholastic, sports, arts, culture, social service, music or any other field deserving recognition. Traditionally, these awards have been given away by Hon’ble President of India.
Under this scheme, awards will be given in two categories ieBal Shakti Puruskar to individuals and BalKalyanPuraskar for institutions/individuals working for children . The WCD ministry has shortlisted 26 awardees including one joint award for National Child Award  under the category of innovation, scholastic, sports, arts & culture, social service and bravery. A total of 783 applications were received for the Baal Shakti Puruskar this year. The National Selection Committee also finalized the names of 2 individuals and 3 institutions under National Child Welfare Awards category 
The Ministry had launched a portal ‘National Children Award’ for receiving online applications from across country throughout the year. The individuals could recommend meritorious children or individuals/institutions working for children or recommend their own case.
In past, the Bravery awards were organised by an NGO named ICCW. However, Government of India supported and encouraged the winners of these awards also. Recently, the financial integrity of ICCW was questioned by Delhi High Court during the hearings of a writ petition.
In view of this, the Government dissociated itself from ICCW and revamped the scheme of National Awards for children in 2018 to include Bravery as an additional component in the Pradhan Mantri National Children Awards.
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Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles loss of lives due to a mishap in Hubli, Karnataka
Announces ex-gratia from PMNRF
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the loss of lives due to a mishap in Hubli, Karnataka. The Prime Minister has also announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 Lakhs each to the next of kin of those who lost their lives and Rs. 50,000 to those injured in the incident from Prime Minister's National Relief Fund .
The Prime Minister Office tweeted;
"Pained by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Hubli, Karnataka. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon: PM @narendramodi"
"An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives due to the mishap in Hubli. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi"
Prime Minister's Office
PM to deliver inaugural address at IISF 2020
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will deliver the inaugural address at the India International Science Festival  2020 on 22 December at 4:30 PM via video conferencing. Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan will also be present on the occasion.
About IISF
To promote scientific temper in society, the Ministry of Science & Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences in association with Vijnana Bharati conceptualized the India International Science Festival. Launched in 2015, IISF is a celebration to promote science & technology. The aim is to engage the public with science, celebrate the joy of science and show how Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics  can provide solutions to improve lives. The goal of the IISF 2020 is to help youth develop 21st century skills, with a focus on scientific knowledge, creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. A long-term objective is to encourage students to study and work in scientific fields.
Ministry of Education
Government is successfully running online Annual Refresher Programme In Teaching  for professional development of higher education faculty using the MOOCs platform SWAYAM
ARPIT has been launched to enhance the quality of teaching and is a step of government towards “Har Ek Kaam Desh Ke Naam” - Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’
More than 1.8 Lakh teachers have already been trained under ARPIT in just two years
In a unique initiative to enhance quality of teaching in higher education, the Government is successfully running an online ‘Annual Refresher Programme In Teaching ’ for the last two years for professional development of higher education faculty. Using the MOOCs platform SWAYAM, the programme was launched in 2018 to fulfil government’s commitment towards quality education. It is a major and unique initiative of online professional development of 15 lakh higher education faculty.
Through ARPIT, new & emerging trends, pedagogical improvements and methodologies for transacting revised curriculum have been imparted to more than 1.8 Lakh teachers in the last two years. In 2018-19, 37199 teachers were trained under this program whereas in 2019-20 the number has increased tremendously to 146919 which shows a nearly fourfold increase as well as popularity of the programme.
Union Minister for HRD Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ has said that ARPIT has been launched to enhance the quality of teaching and is a step towards the commitment of the government to “Har Ek Kaam Desh Ke Naam”. Shri Pokhriyal has said that the Government is committed to enhance the quality of teachers because teachers are the builders of nation and the destiny of a nation is decided by the quality of its teachers. The Minister said that ARPIT is doing a great job in empowering the teaching faculty. Teachers are the base of education system and ARPIT is a great platform for teachers to learn about latest developments in their field and develop their teaching qualities. It encompasses both enhancing the quality of teaching as well as learning experience.
Ministry of Defence
NAVY CHILDREN SCHOOL DELHI CELEBRATES ANNUAL DAY
Navy Children School  Delhi celebrated its Annual Day on 23 August 2023 at Talkatora Indoor Stadium. The occasion was graced by Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff  as the Chief Guest. The function was also attended by Senior Naval Officers, dignitaries and parents. The theme for the event was ‘Udbhavam’, a Sanskrit term representing the ‘beginning’ of eternal learning and enduring enlightenment.
The programme commenced with an enthralling patriotic display by students from Sankalp. Performance by NCS children comprised traditional art forms from various regions portraying the rich cultural heritage of India. The show also promoted environmental consciousness and corruption-free society.
The school Principal, Ms Oshima Mathur, along with the Head Boy and the Head Girl presented the school report highlighting the achievements in academics, sports and co-curricular activities along with new initiatives taken by the school.
The Chief Guest congratulated the students and teachers for the splendid performance. He mentioned that the programme covered all regions of our great nation, and was a perfect display of national integration. He told the children that the values, principles, critical analysis and creative thinking that they acquire in school would mould them into tomorrow's leaders, policymakers and technocrats. The CNS reminded the children that they would be leaders of our country in Kartavya Kaal, taking Bharat to its rightful place as a developed nation by 2047. He gave twelve points for the children to follow, so as to become better citizens and influence the society in a positive way.
The landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon was screened live during the event. The students, teachers and the entire audience witnessed the momentous occasion with hearts swelling with pride.
As a token of Navy’s constant support to NCS Delhi, the Chief Guest presented a cheque of Rs 10 Lakhs for augmentation of infrastructure at the school.
Special Service and Features
Workshop on Research Challenges and Opportunities in AI Based Smart Grid Systems
The Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering of National Institute of Technology Puducherry, Karaikal organizes one-week High end workshop  on the theme “Research Challenges and Opportunities in AI Based Smart Grid Systems” sponsored by Department of Science and Technology , Science and Engineering Research Board  under Accelerate Vigyan scheme from 24.07.2023 to 30.04.2023. The objective of this workshop is to expose the research facilities in Institutions of National Importance, to the promising Post Graduate and Ph.D. research scholars from the universities and colleges across the country, to improve their research skills.
- inauguration of the workshop was held on 24.07.2023, 10.30am at Ki Raa Auditorium, NIT Puducherry. Prof  Usha Natesan, Director  presided over the function and delivered the presidential address. Mr. R. Sundar Rajan, Deputy Manager, Defence and Aerospace, BHEL Tiruchirapalli delivered the inaugural address and highlighted the significance of Research on Industrial perspective during the Inaugural address. Dr. S. Sundaravarathan, Registrar, NIT Puducherry delivered the special address. Dr. S. Thangavel, Workshop Coordinator Welcomed the gatherings and briefed the theme and proceedings of the workshop.
In this workshop, 25 participants from Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and UT of Puducherry are attending the workshop. The resource persons from IIT Tirupati, NIT Raipur, NIT Warangal, NIT Calicut, NIT Puducherry, IIITDM Chennai, VIT Vellore, and Ashok Leyland Chennai will handle the sessions in the areas of AI based Smart Grid System.
The resource persons will share their experience, guidelines and research opportunities on the theme of the workshop. Hands on training or demonstration will be given to the participants with research facilities available in the institute. The laboratories of EEE department are equipped with research facilities such as Emulators, hardware components, Testing kits, software packages, etc in the areas of micro grid, Power converters, high voltage testing. The participants are permitted to work in the laboratories with the research facilities.
At the end of the workshop, the participants will be able to fix either their research problems or identify the research methodologies for their research/project proceedings. They are also able to establish or suggest research facilities on AI based smart grid system in their home institute.
Dr. G. Koperundevi, HoD /EEE Department delivered vote of thanks. The faculty members, research scholars and students of the department made all the necessary arrangements for the workshop.
Prime Minister's Office
By establishing the National Turmeric Board, we aim to harness the potential of our turmeric farmers :PM
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has reiterated the government's commitment to the welfare of the farmers.
Replying to a post by Member of Parliament from Nizamabad, Shri Arvind Dharmapuri, regarding benefits of establishment of National Turmeric Board that the Prime Minister announced yesterday, the Prime Minister posted on X :
"The well-being and prosperity of our farmers has always been our top priority.
By establishing the National Turmeric Board, we aim to harness the potential of our turmeric farmers and give them the support they rightly deserve.
The benefits for Nizamabad are particularly immense.
We will keep doing whatever it takes to ensure a brighter future for our turmeric farmers."
Competition Commission of India
CCI issues cease and desist order against Trailer Owner Associations based in Chennai for indulging in anti-competitive practices
The Competition Commission of India  issued a final order today against ten Trailer Owner Associations  which were found to have contravened the provisions of Section 3 and 3 read with Section 3 of the Competition Act, 2002 , which proscribe anti-competitive agreements.
These TOAs were alleged to have interfered in the fixation of tariffs for trailers and imposed a restriction upon the members of the National Association of Container Freight Station  and their sister concerns, with regard to plying of their own trailers for movement of containers. NACFS/Informant alleged that these decisions were taken in trade association meetings, wherein these conditions were made to be agreed upon by the members of the Informant on alleged threats of strikes
The Commission observed that none of the TOAs denied having participated in the meetings where such decisions of anti-competitive nature took place, thus, establishing the existence of agreement/understanding/arrangement amongst them under Section 3 and  of the Act, which are presumed to have an appreciable adverse effect on competition . The Commission examined the role of trade associations and the legitimacy of actions taken by them under the Act, and found that, in the present matter, the TOAs have transgressed their legal contours and facilitated collusive decision making by allowing fixation of prices and restricting the provision of services under their aegis. The Commission noted that the TOAs, many of which did not appear before the Commission during the hearings, were not able to rebut the said presumption. The TOAs were found to have manipulated the market forces and narrowed the scope of competition through the aforesaid collective collusive action.
Based on evidence on record, CCI found the ten TOAs to have contravened the provisions of Section 3 and 3 read with Section 3 of the Act. Accordingly, the Commission directed the TOAs to cease and desist from indulging in practices that were found to be in contravention of the provisions of Section 3 of the Act.
A copy of the order in Case No. 04 of 2018 is available on CCI’s website at www.cci.gov.in.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves extension of Productivity Linked Reward Scheme for the employees/workers of the Major Port Trust and Dock Labour Board for the period beyond 2017-18
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval to extend the existing Productivity Linked Reward  Scheme beyond 2017-18 until any change/amendment is made in the Scheme.
The Scheme will annually benefit to 28,821 Major Port Trusts and Dock employees/workers and the yearly estimated outgo will be Rs.46 crore. Productivity Linked Reward will be calculated on the existing wage ceiling for calculation of Bonus at Rs. 7000/- per month. This Scheme is fostering better industrial relationship and congenial work atmosphere in the Port Sector, apart from stimulating better productivity.
There is an existing scheme of Productivity Linked Reward  for the employees/workers of Major Port Trusts and Dock Labour Board, wherein Productivity Linked Reward is granted on the basis of the composite Ports Performance Index  on yearly basis based on the settlement arrived at between Management and the Labour Federations of the Major Port Trusts.
Prime Minister's Office
Grand welcome as PM Modi arrives in Bengaluru after productive trip to South Africa & Greece
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi landed at Bengaluru after his four day visit to South Africa and Greece, today. The Prime Minister participated in the BRICS Summit in South Africa and later visited Greece. The Prime Minister had various bilateral meetings and meetings with local thought leaders. He also met with the vibrant Indian communities in both the countries. The Prime Minister who had witnessed the landing of Chandrayaan-3 Moon Lander via VC landed in Bengaluru to interact with the ISRO team later.
PM Modi who was given a warm welcome outside HAL Airport started his address to the gathered citizens with Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan and added Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan. Shri Modi said that he witnessed the same enthusiasm in South Africa and Greece over India's momentous success.
Expressing his eagerness to be with the ISRO team,The Prime said that he had decided to come to Bengaluru first on his return. The Prime Minister thanked the Governor, Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister for their cooperation regarding his request for not taking troubles related to the protocol.
The Prime Minister thanked everyone for the welcome and noted the enthusiasm among the gathered citizens and proceeded to ISRO to be among the Chandrayaan team in a roadshow.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
459 routes involving 72 airports including nine heliports and two water aerodromes are operationalised under UDAN
Over 1.13 crore passengers have travelled in more than 2.16 Lakh UDAN flights
Government plans to develop 100 airports by 2024 to support UDAN scheme
Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched Regional Connectivity Scheme -UDAN  on 21.10.2016 to enhance regional air connectivity from unserved and underserved airports in the country and making air travel affordable to the masses. UDAN is a market driven scheme. Interested airlines based on their assessment of demand on particular routes, submit their proposals at the time of bidding under UDAN.
Under the Scheme, 459 UDAN routes involving 72 airports including nine heliports and two water aerodromes have been operationalised as on 30.01.2023, across the length and breadth of the country. Over 1.13 crore passengers have travelled in more than 2.16 Lakh UDAN flights, so far. The linkage between the Civil Aviation Sector and Economic Growth is well recognized. International Civil Aviation Organization  study shows that the air connectivity would have economic multipliers of 3.1 and employment multiplier of 6.1. Challenges faced while implementing the scheme include:
i) Adverse impact of COVID-19 pandemic
ii) Non-readiness of Civil Airports/Heliports, which could be related to availability of land, creation of regional infrastructure etc.
iii) Unsustainability of the operation on the awarded routes.
iv) Non-readiness of Selected Airlines Operators 
v) Non-availability of slots at metro airports like Mumbai & Pune.
The Government has planned to develop one hundred airports by 2024 to support UDAN scheme and operationalise 1000 UDAN routes during the currency of the Scheme. UDAN is an ongoing scheme where bidding rounds are conducted from time to time for covering more destinations/stations and routes under the scheme.
Eighteen Airports have been identified under UDAN in the State of Uttar Pradesh out of which Kanpur, Prayagraj, Kushinagar, Hindon, Agra & Bareilly have been operationalised. Six Airports have been identified under UDAN in the State of Rajasthan out of which Bikaner, Jaisalmer &Kishangargh have been operationalised. Six Airports have been identified under UDAN in the State of Odisha out of which Jeypore, Jharsuguda& Rourkela have been operationalised.
Nine Heliports have been developed and operationalized in the NSOP category under the UDAN scheme in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Mandi and Rampur are in Himachal Pradesh while Almora, Chinyalisaur, Gaucher, Haldwani, New Tehri, Sahastradhara and Srinagar are in Uttarakhand.
This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation Gen.
 V. K. Singh, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
President's Secretariat
PRESIDENT OF INDIA TO VISIT ASSAM FROM APRIL 6 TO 8
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu will visit Assam from April 6 to 8, 2023.
On April 7, 2023, the President will inaugurate the Gaj Utsav-2023 at the Kaziranga National Park. Later at Guwahati, she will flag off the Mount Kanchenjunga Expedition-2023. On the same day, she will also grace the function being organized to mark the completion of 75 years of the Gauhati High Court at Guwahati.
On April 8, 2023, the President will make a sortie on the Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft at the Tezpur Air Force Station.